Bolton manager Sam Allardyce wants Israel's national team to lift its suspension of Wanderers defender Tel Ben Haim.
He complained that that the player's name had been "blackened".
Ben Haim was dropped from the squad against Slovenia after coach Dror Kashtan said he refused to participate in a training session, despite the team doctor saying he needed rest.
Allardyce has now intervened to clear Ben Haim's name, saying the doctor changed his story and tarnished the central defender's reputation.
Committed player
The Bolton manager said Ben Haim was one of the team's most committed players.
"Under those circumstances Bolton cannot remain silent and allow different people to mudsling and damage Ben Haim's good name," Allardyce said.
"The name of one of our players has been blackened and because he has been so hurt in such an unfair way, and has not spoken or reacted publicly, I decided to support him openly.
Allardyce said that Ben Haim, who joined Bolton from Maccabi Tel Aviv two seasons ago, is so committed to training that he had threatened to fine him because he was "overdoing it".
Ben Haim played the full 90 minutes in Bolton's 2-0 home win against Tottenham on Saturday.
Allardyce also complained that poor preparations by Israel before last August's match in Ukraine led to Ben Haim getting injured in the game. (AP)